R.I.P. Mikey Welsh

Former Weezer bassist dies at 40

Former Weezer bassist Mikey Welsh died in Chicago yesterday, according to an update posted to his Facebook fan page late last night and as confirmed by theChicago Tribune. The Tribune reports that a drug overdose is suspected. He was 40.

Reads the official Twitter account for Weezer: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear the awful news, our friend and fellow weez rocker @mikeywelsh71 has passed away. We love u Mikey.”

Welsh joined Weezer in 1998. He performed with the band in 2000, and appeared on their self-titled 2001 album. After a nervous breakdown, Welsh left Weezer to focus on painting that same year.

In what could be a strange coincidence, Welsh posted twotweets on September 26 describing a dream he’d had that he would die of a heart attack in his sleep in Chicago. “Dreamt I died in Chicago next weekend,” read the first tweeted, “need to write my will today.” It was soon followed by: “correction – the weekend after next.” According to a Facebook post by Welsh, he was on vacation in Chicago, and planned to see Weezer perform this weekend.

Welsh had been living in Burlington, Vermont, and is survived by his wife and two sons.